Tech specs

[NoiseLimited]

First, I should say the last scanner I bought was in 1985, so yeah, I'm behind the times.
My SDS200 was delivered this morning. I opened it, checked that everything was there, did a quick scan through the manual. There doesn't seem to be any listed specifications for the radio. I checked the Uniden site and no luck there either.

Is this the norm for scanners now? As I said, I haven't bought one in a long time. I was sort of interested in its sensitivity spec along with the squelch sensitivity. The manual alludes to using 50 Ohm feedline and antennas, but nowhere does it spec 50 Ohms as the input Z. One can assume but without a stated spec, you can't know. If it has a high Z input, front end overload is more likely. I have a Tecsun 880 SW receiver and I keep a 60dB step attenuator inline with the antenna as it is prone to overload.

Maybe specs are old hat now and I shouldn't worry about it. I just like to know that stuff - old habits.

Thanks

 

[W6KRU]

Does this link in the Wiki help?
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/SDS200

 

[UnidenSupport]

A lot of the specifications you may see on older scanners does not apply to the SDS scanners because the functions that used to be determined by hardware, is now determined by software and is no longer immutable.

 

[56FB666]

Next time check here

RigPix Database - Main

 

[doctordialtone]

Next time check here

RigPix Database - Main

Funny, I don't see the 396XT in there!

Handy site though. Still, no detailed specs.

 

[KevinC]

Next time check here

RigPix Database - Main

I just did...

RECEIVER SECTION
Receiver system:
Sensitivity:
Selectivity:
Image rejection:
AF output power/speaker:? W at ?% distortion / ? ohms
External speaker connector:3.5 mm

So not much info here.

 

[NoiseLimited]

Does this link in the Wiki help?
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/SDS200

Thanks, but no - pretty much what's at the website and on the scanner box.

A lot of the specifications you may see on older scanners does not apply to the SDS scanners because the functions that used to be determined by hardware, is now determined by software and is no longer immutable.

I won't argue with you, but specs are specs -SDR or not.

I just did...

RECEIVER SECTION
Receiver system:
Sensitivity:
Selectivity:
Image rejection:
AF output power/speaker:? W at ?% distortion / ? ohms
External speaker connector:3.5 mm

So not much info here.

Well, if you can trust it, it did note an input Z of 50 Ohms but then again, it may just be an assumption.

I guess I brought up a bad topic. I'm new here, so maybe I should just say "never mind" and let it go.

Thanks to all who responded
Cheers

 

[Ubbe]

The SDS series has a programmable pre-amplifier that seems to have been set to different gain values in different firmware versions and probably also in different frequency bands. The SDS receiver in itself doesn't have that great sensitivity but the pre-amp corrects that but the negative result are that it then gets extremly prone to overload with all the problems that comes with that. The different filters available only have limited impact and requires you to do a lot of experimenting. The IP3 value of the SDS receiver to begin with are relativly bad compared to "normal" receivers and the pre-amp makes it worse. I beleive the original firmware for the SDS100 made it have a worst case sensitivity of 4uV I.E. 10 times worse than a conventional scanner according to some specs that Upman presented and at the same time he suggested a BCD436HP if you didn't absolutly needed simulcast capability.

/Ubbe

 

[kruser]

The user manual for the SDS100E does have a fair amount of specs in the end of the manual unlike the USA version.
Not sure if they would compare with the US version but likely so. I know the Europen version of Sentinel did add the Filter Settings so the European version must use the same filters as well.
I don't think filters were mentioned in the SDS100E manual though.

The SDS100E PDF manual can be found here: http://www.uniden.co.jp/english/product/Scanners/PDF/UserManual_SDS100E.pdf

 

[KK4JUG]

Scannermaster had this information. It's not particular technical but maybe it qualifies as specs (if you stretch it a bit).

The SDS200's other major features include:

• 3.5" Customizable Color Display
• 1.5X Din-E (180 mm x 75 mm) chassis
• Ext. Sp. Jack
• Auxiliary USB Type A jack for future expansion
• Ethernet connectivity for remote streaming and control*
• Trunktracker X
  • APCO P25 Phase I and II
  • Motorola, EDACS, and LTR Trunking
  • MotoTRBO Capacity + and Connect +**
  • DMR Tier III**
  • Hytera XPT**
  • Single-Channel DMR**
  • NXDN 4800 and 9600**
  • EDACS ProVoice**
• Location-Based Scanning
• USA/Canada Radio Database
• ZIP Code Selection for Easy Setup
• GPS Connectivity for simple mobile operation
• Close Call™ RF Capture with Do Not Disturb
• 8 GB micro SD
• Soft Keys for Intelligent UI
• Recording, Playback, and Replay
• Temporary Avoid
• Fire Tone-Out Alert
• System Analysis and Discovery
• CTCSS/DCS/NAC/RAN/Color Code Decoding
• S.A.M.E. Weather Alert
• Enhanced Dynamic Memory
• Preemptive Trunking Priority
• Multi-Site System Scanning
• Fully Customizable Scanning with your own Favorites Lists
• Backlit Keypad
• Channel Volume Offset
• PC Programming and Control
• USB Connectivity
• Weekly Database Updates
• Free Sentinel Software keeps the SDS200 database and memory up to date
• Frequency Coverage:
  • 25-512 MHz
  • 758-824 MHz
  • 849-869 MHz
  • 895-960 MHz
  • 1240-1300 MHz

* Additional or 3rd-Party software may be required.
** Paid upgrades required for DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice monitoring

 

[NoiseLimited]

The SDS series has a programmable pre-amplifier that seems to have been set to different gain values in different firmware versions and probably also in different frequency bands. The SDS receiver in itself doesn't have that great sensitivity but the pre-amp corrects that but the negative result are that it then gets extremly prone to overload with all the problems that comes with that. The different filters available only have limited impact and requires you to do a lot of experimenting. The IP3 value of the SDS receiver to begin with are relativly bad compared to "normal" receivers and the pre-amp makes it worse. I beleive the original firmware for the SDS100 made it have a worst case sensitivity of 4uV I.E. 10 times worse than a conventional scanner according to some specs that Upman presented and at the same time he suggested a BCD436HP if you didn't absolutly needed simulcast capability.

/Ubbe

Has someone run a full test suite on the SDS200? Are your references primarily for the SDS100?
Thanks for the input.

The user manual for the SDS100E does have a fair amount of specs in the end of the manual unlike the USA version.
Not sure if they would compare with the US version but likely so. I know the Europen version of Sentinel did add the Filter Settings so the European version must use the same filters as well.
I don't think filters were mentioned in the SDS100E manual though.

The SDS100E PDF manual can be found here: http://www.uniden.co.jp/english/product/Scanners/PDF/UserManual_SDS100E.pdf

That's what I'm talking about! If only there was an SDS200 version.

Thank you for the link.

Cheers

 

[kruser]

Has someone run a full test suite on the SDS200? Are your references primarily for the SDS100?
Thanks for the input.



That's what I'm talking about! If only there was an SDS200 version.

Thank you for the link.

Cheers

I agree! Maybe they will release a SDS200E version and also publish specs in its manual!

I did add a link to the European SDS100E models PDF Manual on the SDS100 Wiki page also.

 

[buddrousa]

kruser didn't upman at some point in the past state they are the same but the SDS200 in just in a better insulated case and the SDS200 may have a small range advantage?

 

[wb4sqi]

Has someone run a full test suite on the SDS200? Are your references primarily for the SDS100?

Cheers

Being more of a software designed receiver without the benefits of triple conversion and fixed IF filters I'm not sure what a full suite would tell us other than comparison to a real hardware radio would be disappointing. SDR's give users a lot of performance but there is usually a tradeoff. Both the SDS series radios handle simulcast systems very well, not so much for Whistler radios but Whistler gives the user a better selection of system types whereas Uniden charges for adding types.

It's been my experience that a big purchase ($ dollar wise) is usually a compromise of features.

 

[Ubbe]

kruser didn't upman at some point in the past state they are the same but the SDS200 in just in a better insulated case and the SDS200 may have a small range advantage?

He did. They are identical but the SDS100 isn't an optimum solution as every stage and module are not seperated enough due to space constrains and interfere with each other. That's the only reason why the SDS200 might be a tad better. It's generally the same with all portable/mobile-base receivers that the portable are a compromise even if the circuit design are the exact same.

/Ubbe

 

[RF23]

Being more of a software designed receiver without the benefits of triple conversion and fixed IF filters I'm not sure what a full suite would tell us other than comparison to a real hardware radio would be disappointing. SDR's give users a lot of performance but there is usually a tradeoff. Both the SDS series radios handle simulcast systems very well, not so much for Whistler radios but Whistler gives the user a better selection of system types whereas Uniden charges for adding types.

It's been my experience that a big purchase ($ dollar wise) is usually a compromise of features.

UPMan did post a table of specs comparing the 436 (hardware radio) to the upcoming SDS100 (software radio). It was interesting to say the least. However, with the multiple firmware updates and the addition of the filters since then it may not be very accurate today.

I have tried to post my copy of this comparison table but I keep losing the formatting and it becomes not really readable.

Perhaps a search of this site will find it for anyone interested.

 

[iMONITOR]

I've yet to see a good reply to Lindsay's questions to Uniden regarding the filters and how to use the. Lots of opinions and speculation but no definitive answers. Not to mention no one seems to really know the amperage requirement for the AC adapter or battery power. I'm thinking there could be some third parties involved with the design of the SDS series scanners. For Uniden not being able answer these questions or be aware of some of the issues discovered by users seems strange to me. I can't belive none of those issues showed up during development and testing. I'm aware that Paul is out of the loop for awhile. But Uniden is a very large corporation and I'm quite certain they have more than one designer/engineer involved in the development of these new scanners.

 

[RF23]

I've yet to see a good reply to Lindsay's questions to Uniden regarding the filters and how to use the. Lots of opinions and speculation but no definitive answers. Not to mention no one seems to really know the amperage requirement for the AC adapter or battery power. I'm thinking there could be some third parties involved with the design of the SDS series scanners. For Uniden not being able answer these questions or be aware of some of the issues discovered by users seems strange to me. I can't belive none of those issues showed up during development and testing. I'm aware that Paul is out of the loop for awhile. But Uniden is a very large corporation and I'm quite certain they have more than one designer/engineer involved in the development of these new scanners.

This is my present understanding.

If you search this site you will find that UPMan has commented on the functionality of the filters to the extent he could and he gave the reason why he could not share more with us. For Uniden North America scanner Division he is about as OFFICAL as you can get.

As others have stated and I have found it to be true in using the filters, they must be used by each person with respect to the following:

The systems you are monitoring
Your location
Your antenna(s) and their orientation
RF conditions – this can make it necessary to change your filter settings

This all assumes your radio is working properly and has been properly programed with correct information.

On the SDS100 AC adapter is states it is 5VDC @ 2000mA (2A). This allows the scanner to operate and charge at the same. (If you use the correct plugin port and turn this function on in the scanner).

On the new large Li-ion battery it states it is 3.7V DC at 5400mAh or 19.98Wh. This normally deliverers about 8 hours of use.

I hope some of this is helpful.

 

[iMONITOR]

On the SDS100 AC adapter is states it is 5VDC @ 2000mA (2A). This allows the scanner to operate and charge at the same. (If you use the correct plugin port and turn this function on in the scanner).

On the new large Li-ion battery it states it is 3.7V DC at 5400mAh or 19.98Wh. This normally deliverers about 8 hours of use.

I hope some of this is helpful.

I think the pertains more to whats required to adequately charge the battery pack or maybe because the voltage is lower than 12v so it requires more current. Even the SDS200 with it's larger display does not require 2 amps @ 12V.

 

[Ubbe]

Upman have stated that the SDS200 requires a maximum of 750mA which is 9watt at 12volt. And he also stated that the SDS100 charge the 3,7volt battery with 700mA.

If the SDS100 runs for 8 hours from a 5400mA battery it will drain a constant 675mA which is 2,4watt. That's almost 1/4 of what the SDS200 requires. Add the 700mA charge current for the SDS100 battery and it will be a total of 1375mA that are needed from a power supply. It's good practice to have some overhead to not stress the power supply at full capacity, so the 45% overhead up to 2000mA seems logical.

/Ubbe